Mitzi's Story- VBAC- Hospital

8 lbs. (VBAC)

20 inches

Hospital

Mother's Height: 5' 6"

How was your pregnancy?
Very easy

How did you feel about your upcoming birth?
Excited, but very nervous about the possibility of a second c-section.  My first son was induced because my previous ob thought he was late, and the induction turned into a c-section.  The midwives I saw said it was probably an unnecessary c-section, and after reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and other natural birth books, I agree.  I did not want to have another experience like that one.  I had my heart set on a vbac, as natural as it could be.  I wanted it to be the complete opposite of my first birth experience, which involved Pitocin, an epidural, and then all the drugs a c-section entails.  I wanted to make the step into womanhood that I instinctually felt a natural birth would bring me.

Description of your birth experience:
My amniotic sac broke around 11:30 pm on July 30 - the day before my estimated due date.  My dh and I went for a walk in the neighborhood, but contractions were few and far between, so we went back to bed.  The next morning, my doula joined us for a more strenuous walk around the neighborhood.  Contractions picked up, but needed a bit of a push.  I took some castor oil, which really got things moving!  The shower quickly became my best friend as we worked through the pain together (my dh and I).  We left for the hospital around 6 pm.  I remember having two strong contractions on our way to the birthing room - one in the lobby and one in the hallway on the labor and deliver floor - and worrying that my sarong wasn't covering me well enough, and then thinking, "Who cares?  I'm giving birth!"  (My husband assures me I was decent.)  When we got to the room, I was very dismayed to find out that I was only dilated 4 cm ... I'd been convinced I was at least 8 and would be pushing in no time at all.  But things moved quickly after that.  My moans turned animalistic around 7 pm, and my body began pushing even though I wasn't fully dilated.  It hurt, of course, but felt amazing at the same time.  It was one of the very few times in my life that I was truly in the moment.  I couldn't think about anything but what my body and the baby were doing together.  All this time, my husband, our doula, the midwife and the nurse were wonderful supporters, breathing with me, reminding me to drink plenty of water (which was surprisingly difficult to do) and guiding me through the times I felt I MUST have some pain relief.  Without them, I would not have accomplished my goal of the natural vbac, I am certain.

George was born at 11:02 pm that evening, on his due date.  He was perfect!  It was the most amazing feeling when he slithered out.  I had a small, internal tear that required 3 stitches, but that was all.  (Again, the support of everyone in the room was invaluable.  The midwife instructed me to slow my pushing at just the right time, and everyone hissed "sssss" with me to help with this necessary slowing.)  I was able to hold him immediately, such a change from my first birth!  Night at day.

One thing I was surprised about that really sticks out: when my body began pushing, if I didn't "help it along" but consciously pushing with it, it was very painful.  But if I worked with my body, it felt ... not enjoyable, but good in the way hard work feels good.

How did you feel after the birth (first month)?
George is only 3 weeks old, but so far, so good!  I feel much more confident in my abilities as a mother because of my experience with my first son, and also my mother traveled out and has been with us, helping so much.  I am tired, of course!  But nursing has been easier, and I have also not felt any of the post-partum blues I felt with Jackson (my first son).  Also, not having to deal with abdominal stitches is wonderful!  I was able to move around much more quickly with this one.

How did you feel six months after the birth? One year? Now? n/a

What did you learn from this birth?
That I can do it!  And I will do it for any other children that come our way.

Any words of wisdom to impart?
Do the research.  Don't rely solely on what your doctor or midwife or anyone tells you ... go after the birth YOU want and know you can achieve.  And read Ina May, if you can get her book, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.  Such an inspiration to me!